With the 2013 Young Stars Classic just weeks away, the Calgary Flames’ sixth-overall pick in 2013 is embracing his role and looking forward to his first crack at the Battle of Alberta.

“I try not to look at it as pressure,” Monahan said of his draft position. “I want to show why I got drafted there and prove myself. I’m just going to be myself and be the player that got me there. I’m going to try to rise to the occasion and be better than I’ve ever been.”

Monahan, along with 23 other players, was named Wednesday to the squad that will compete at the five-team tournament in Penticton, B.C., from Sept. 5-9.

The Flames will face top prospects from their Pacific Division rivals Edmonton Oilers, Vancouver Canucks and San Jose Sharks. The Central Division’s Winnipeg Jets are also participating but won’t play the Flames.

Rounding out the hat-trick of 2013 first-round picks skating at the tourney for the Flames include forwards Emile Poirier (22nd overall) and Morgan Klimchuk (28th overall).

Keegan Kanzig, the towering 6-foot-7 defenceman, and Eric Roy will help patrol the blueline as two other 2013 Flames draft picks who will see action.

Edmonton Oil Kings standout Laurent Brossoit and Finnish prospect Joni Ortio will puck-stop between the pipes for the Flames.

Forwards Sven Baertschi, Max Reinhart and Ben Hanowski — three players who all saw NHL action last season — will join newcomers Corban Knight and Markus Granlund, tasked with finding the back of the net.

Players with NCAA commitments, like Mark Jankowski, the Flames’ first-round selection in 2012, along with Providence College teammate Jon Gillies and Boston College sniper Johnny Gaudreau will remain stateside.

Monahan is excited to see how he stacks up against other 2013 first-round picks like the Oilers’ Darnell Nurse and the Canucks’ Bo Horvat and Hunter Shinkaruk.

“It’s going to be pretty cool,” Monahan said. “They’re all good players and are there for the same reason. I’m excited to be a part of that and compete against the best.”

The Flames open the tournament against the Oilers in the Battle of Alberta in B.C. on Sept. 5 at 5 p.m.

Calgary Flames fill out roster for Young Stars Classic

With the 2013 Young Stars Classic just weeks away, the Calgary Flames’ sixth-overall pick in 2013 is embracing his role and looking forward to his first crack at the Battle of Alberta.

“I try not to look at it as pressure,” Monahan said of his draft position. “I want to show why I got drafted there and prove myself. I’m just going to be myself and be the player that got me there. I’m going to try to rise to the occasion and be better than I’ve ever been.”

Monahan, along with 23 other players, was named Wednesday to the squad that will compete at the five-team tournament in Penticton, B.C., from Sept. 5-9.

The Flames will face top prospects from their Pacific Division rivals Edmonton Oilers, Vancouver Canucks and San Jose Sharks. The Central Division’s Winnipeg Jets are also participating but won’t play the Flames.